When I started counseling a couple of days after I quit drinking, I was in sad shape. I was in withdrawals, broken, filled with guilt and disgust for the man I had become. The counselor had great concern over my pain and suffering and spoke in depth about Romans 8:28:
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Last night I had the opportunity to be there for a close friend that is also an alcohoic. He was six years sober until his relationship failed and they are now divorcing. I called him last night and he had been drinking... alot. I prayed up and stopped by to see him, though I had worried about my exposure alcohol and how I may respond because I was still depressed about my seperation with my wife.
But an awesome thing happened. I had no desire to drink. I could see the pain in his eyes. All of the things that come with self-hate and failure.... I could identify with because I was there just a few weeks ago. Before I left, he allowed me to search for and remove alcohol from his apartment... at least what I could find. He hugged me and told me that he knew that I loved him even though he didn't know why.
I thought about what Bill said in the Big Book about on his bad days.. how he was lifted up by going to the hospital and talking with other alcoholics. Then I thought about Romans 8:28 and realized that out of my deplorable situation, the things I had done had worked good for the Glory of God.
Great stuff MJ, thanks for sharing this, very powerful...helps to keep me sober another 24 hours. When all else fails, intensive work with another alcoholic...
That is amazing stuff. God used you to help one of His kids. If you wind up staying in AA, and take the steps, your gonna find a whole lot more of that. For me, its what I was looking for at the bottom of the bottle. One word of caution, next time take another sober alcoholic with you. there are many reasons for it. Even the Carpenter sent his workers out in two's. Good stuff jasper, sounds like your building a real good foundation. Brings joy to me out here 2500 miles away though cyberspace.
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Since it cost a lot to win, and even more to loose, you and me gotta spend some time just wondering what to choose.
Powerful stuff! Thanks for sharing and for being an inspiration to me. Sometimes I feel that since I only have 8 months sobriety that I cannot be of much help to another alcoholic...but then I need to remember that Bill W., co-founder of AA, did the steps in 3 days! He began to reach out and help others almost immediately in his journey. Any one of us can have a positive impact on another alcoholic, or be a good listening ear, or connect in a spiritual way with another alcoholic. You have begun to lead by example. Congratulations, friend!
Good stuff MJ. God works through people. Your message was delievered through your friend. A remember when, but now looking at it from the other side. I've spent the first 3 years in recovery going to a weekly meeting at a Rehab/Detox center. The front 2 rows were impatient. New right off the street. It's a reminder to me of where I'll be again if I don't live in the solution. It's also a good place to carry the message to the newcomer.
Nothing ensure immunity more than working with another alcoholic.
